Targa Top Rear Pin Covers

[Ironman88]

I've read that these are referred to as "Silentbloc" pins or bearings. I don't know for sure. Anyway, the plastic covers for mine have cracked and broken up over time leaving just the exposed metal pins. While they do secure the rear of the top in place, they don't provide the proper tight fit given that the plastic covers are now gone.

I've found a part here on Pelican - 911-565-217-40 (Covering) that shows to be the right part on models earlier than 1987.

Anyone happen to know if the part above will actually work on an '87 model?

Thanks.

[gazzerr]

I believe they didn't change all the way up to 1989. I'd have to go research again but there is special method for installing them as well. I have a set that I still haven't got around to installing. I'd contact Dan Petchel (Google Targa Dan Cars Inc). He's the targa top guru.

[Noah930]

Slodave gave me some surgical tubing that he used while rebuilding his top. Maybe not OEM, but it does the job.

[Ironman88]

Originally Posted by gazzerr

I believe they didn't change all the way up to 1989. I'd have to go research again but there is special method for installing them as well. I have a set that I still haven't got around to installing. I'd contact Dan Petchel (Google Targa Dan Cars Inc). He's the targa top guru.

Thanks.

I went ahead and ordered the covers from Pelican. I read that they can be a little bit of a challenge to install. One comment mentioned putting them in the microwave for 15 seconds or so and that made them pliable enough to install over the pins. I'll make sure first that they fit properly into the receptacles in the targa band and then if so, I'll go the microwave route. Hopefully no drama to follow...

[gazzerr]

No probs. You're right, it's either microwave or boiling water. Maybe a really long socket or similar to tap them into place over the pins. The surgical tubing idea is great!

[Ironman88]

Originally Posted by gazzerr

I believe they didn't change all the way up to 1989. I'd have to go research again but there is special method for installing them as well. I have a set that I still haven't got around to installing. I'd contact Dan Petchel (Google Targa Dan Cars Inc). He's the targa top guru.

I did reach out to Dan via email. (He replied back right away.) He conveyed that the pins are the same on all of them through the '89 model year.

[MBAtarga]

I used boiling/very hot water - let them sit in it for about 5 minutes or so. They will be much more pliable and should slide on rather easily.

[Johner]

Not sure this is necessary, but I made a small hole in the tip to vent any trapped air. Maybe overkill, but didn't do any harm. That plus hot water worked for me. The new covers resolved a few squeaks I had

[Ironman88]

Good information - thanks.